Regulation of Blood Vessels

Abstract

A brief historical review of the development of the concept of arterial blood pressure regulation followed by a critical examination of the concept. It is apparent that the so-called pressure receptors are in fact stretch (strain) receptors. Thus, the relationships between receptor activity and blood pressure depends upon the mechanical properties of the receptor-containing vessel walls since these properties determine the relationship between pressure and vessel wall strain. Studies have shown that the vessel walls have 2 properties which define their "tone" elasticity and viscosity. These mechanical properties can change and the concept of arterial blood pressure regulation may be misleading. The implications of these considerations to such diseases as hypertension is discussed. The similarities of so-called volume receptors and pressure receptors are considered. The role of the mechanical properties of blood vessels in the behavior of the circulatory system generally is discussed.